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noun Uncommon

mentality

mehn-TA-luh-tee

Mentality (noun) means a particular way of thinking, or a set of attitudes shared by a person or group. Example: “The team had a winning mentality all season.”

noun
1
A particular way of thinking, or a set of attitudes shared by a person or group.
"The team had a winning mentality all season."
"A scarcity mentality can make people hoard resources unnecessarily."

How to Use Mentality

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA characteristic mindset or attitude.

Common pairings
winning mentality victim mentality change your mentality

Word Forms

mentalities plural

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The team had a winning _____ all season.

Etymology

From mental + -ity.

Related Words

Rhymes for mentality

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “mentality” mean?

The word “mentality” means a particular way of thinking, or a set of attitudes shared by a person or group. In plain terms, a characteristic mindset or attitude.

How do you pronounce “mentality”?

“Mentality” is pronounced mehn-TA-luh-tee (/mɛnˈtæləti/ in IPA).

How do you use “mentality” in a sentence?

Here is “mentality” used in a sentence: “The team had a winning mentality all season.”

What part of speech is “mentality”?

“Mentality” is a noun.

Is “mentality” a common word?

“Mentality” is an uncommon word in modern English.

What is the difference between mentality and attitude?

Mentality refers to a broader way of thinking or a set of attitudes shared by a person or group, often describing an ingrained mindset. Attitude usually refers to a more specific feeling or stance toward a particular thing, situation, or person.

What is the difference between mentality and mindset?

Mentality and mindset are very close in meaning, both describing a characteristic way of thinking. Mentality is sometimes used with a slightly more critical or generalising tone, as in "a herd mentality," while mindset is often used in neutral or motivational contexts, as in "a growth mindset."

Can mentality describe a group rather than a person?

Yes, mentality commonly describes a set of attitudes shared by a group, not just an individual, as in "a competitive mentality" among a team or "a wartime mentality" among a population.

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